Leadership interview with Dennis Phillips, Sacred Heart School of Halifax

I have been part of the Sacred Heart Network for over 30 years. This is the fourth Sacred Heart school where I have worked. Prior to Halifax, I was Head of School in Houston, Texas, and before that I spent 15 years at Sacred Heart School in San Francisco. I began my career in Chicago as the Director of Religion for the school. That school was very similar to Halifax in serving students from kindergarten to Grade 8, though here we go all the way to Grade 12.

My academic background is in pastoral counseling, and I have found that training to be invaluable. It has given me tools to build relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and faculty. That foundation of connection is critical to the Sacred Heart mission.

A key influence in my career was a mentor in San Francisco. He was a headmaster who inspired me through his attentiveness, his active listening, and his encouragement. He gave people space to share their experiences and helped support them through challenges. His support motivated me to adopt the same approach: to listen actively, to encourage others, and to help them tap into their passion so that students, faculty, and entire school communities can benefit.

The mission of Sacred Heart is clear and consistent across all Sacred Heart schools worldwide. It is rooted in five goals: spirituality, academics, service to others, community, and support for students as they mature. Sacred Heart Halifax is distinctive in being the only independent Catholic school in Halifax and in the province of Nova Scotia. That uniqueness, combined with the global Sacred Heart mission, informs everything we do.

Sacred Heart Halifax is a Catholic school for students of all faiths. That inclusivity is central to who we are. Spirituality here is approached as a process of discovery rather than simply teaching rules of faith. Students and families partner with the school, and the journey involves both spiritual and academic growth. The goal is for students to discover who they are and how they can make a difference in the world. Service to others is integral to this mission, helping students think beyond themselves and fostering an outward-looking perspective.

There is an interweaving of all the goals in our approach. For example, when a student struggles academically, the relationship with the teacher becomes crucial. Building trust helps students develop courage and confidence in their work. Embracing struggle allows students to cultivate resilience and perseverance. These lessons, learned in community with teachers and peers, are as important as academic achievement.

Sacred Heart Halifax has a 176-year history, and its reputation in Halifax has long been one of academic excellence. Students leave with many university options and succeed in those environments. Recently, the school has undertaken a structural change to its program. From Junior Primary to Grade 6, students are in a co-ed setting. From Grades 7 to 9, they learn in single-gender environments. Beginning next year, Grades 10 to 12 will also become co-ed, forming what some call a “diamond model.” This change prepares students for university and the wider world. It is a significant shift, one embraced by the community after careful consultation, and it reflects our strategic plan’s emphasis on academics, innovation, sustainability, and diversity.

Our families are deeply committed to education and come from a variety of professional backgrounds. They seek both academic excellence and a strong sense of community. Halifax itself has become more diverse in recent years, and our school reflects that change. Building trust with families is central to our work, and I personally greet students and parents each morning at the door. This daily practice reinforces our partnership with families in fostering not only academics but also character, integrity, and responsibility.

Conflict, while challenging, can be constructive. It provides opportunities for deeper listening and stronger relationships. Whether between students, parents, or teachers, conflict can lead to growth when approached with empathy and a focus on restoring relationships. At times, bringing teachers, parents, and students together reveals that all parties are seeking the same outcome, even if from different perspectives. These conversations can reduce polarization and help students feel supported.

I often advise parents to reflect on what first inspired their own love of learning—whether a teacher, an environment, or friendships—and to share that with their children. Small acts, such as reading together, are more than academic exercises; they are about discovery, dialogue, and connection. At Sacred Heart Halifax, we nurture that same spark for learning within our community.

What differentiates us most is our approach to spirituality. We focus on helping students discover it within themselves, giving them a foundation that will serve them throughout life. This emphasis on imagination, transcendence, and discovery makes Sacred Heart unique and prepares students to live with curiosity and depth.